For fall 2024, 29 new faculty and two staff members joined Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business.
Accounting
Joining the faculty in the Department of Accounting are Yaw Awuah, an assistant professor, Frances Leahy, a practitioner-in-residence on the Hickory campus, and special (adjunct) faculty members Jenny Collette, TC Diddle, and Cara White.
Yaw Awuah, Ph.D.
Dr. Yaw Awuah is an assistant professor in the Department of Accounting. His research interests are taxation, financial regulation and disclosure, and corporate governance. Awuah earned a BSC from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a PhD from West Virginia University. Dr. Awuah can be reached by email, awuahyo@appstate.edu.
Frances Leahy, CPA
A CPA in North Carolina and Tennessee, Fran Leahy brings to the faculty more than 25 years of experience in tax return preparation, research, and review with expertise in nonprofit organizations. She most recently served as senior manager with KraftCPAs. She earned a BA in Accounting and Finance from Wofford College and an MS in Accounting from App State. Leahy can be reached by email, leahyfs@appstate.edu.
Jenny Collette
Jenny Collette is partner and owner for Collette Woodruff, PC, serving business owners in the High Country through business tax planning, preparation, and strategy. She previously owned a firm and served in financial roles for life sciences organizations, including vice president of finance, finance and operations director of a research company, and chief accounting officer of a clinical biotech company. Collette earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from App State and a Master of Science in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University. Colette can be reached by email, pruettjn@appstate.edu.
TC Diddle, CPA
Teresa “TC” Diddle, CPA, has worked across industries, becoming skilled in the nuances of accounting, tax work, and human resources, with expertise in assisting customers in analyzing financial statements to make decisions to increase profitability. Diddle earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida Atlantic University and an MBA from App State. She can be reached by email, diddletm@appstate.edu.
Cara White, CPA
Cara White most recently served as a financial consultant for Optum, a sister company of United Health Group. She previously worked at PwC and helped open Allen CPA in Boone, North Carolina. White is a two-time Walker College alumna, having earned her BSBA and MS in Accounting from App State. She can be reached at whiteca@appstate.edu.
Computer Information Systems
Joining the faculty in the Department of Computer Information Systems are Executive-in-Residence Shane Sharpe, Practitioner-in-Residence Grace Gliwa, Lecturer Tori Humler, and Special Faculty Members Warren Huntsman, Ashton Roess, Donna Sue Shellman, and Kevin Smith.
Shane Sharpe, Ph.D.
To his role as executive-in-residence, Dr. Shane Sharpe brings extensive experience as a business and technology consultant, most recently as director of engineering at Therapy Brands. He has consulted with a wide range of organizations, including Accenture, Walmart, and Hewlett-Packard, focusing on information technology asset development and stakeholder value creation. Sharpe previously served as a professor of management information systems at the University of Alabama where he held leadership roles, including director of the Randall Research Scholars Program and dean of the Honors College. Sharpe’s research has been published in journals such as Communications of the ACM and IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering. Sharpe earned his Ph.D. in MIS from Texas Tech University, an MBA in Finance from the University of Dallas, and a BS in Pharmacy from the University of Kansas. Dr. Sharpe can be reached by email at sharpesh@appstate.edu.
Grace Gliwa
Lecturer Grace Gliwa recently worked at Wayfair in Boston, managing product content for their B2B site. She is a two-time Walker College alumna, having earned a BSBA in Economics and an MBA and Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics from App State. Gliwa can be reached by email at gliwaga@appstate.edu.
Tori Humler
Lecturer Tori Humler joins the faculty after two years as an administrator in the Walker College and four years of teaching high school mathematics. She earned her BS in Mathematics from the University of Tennessee and is completing her Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics at App State. Humler can be reached by email at humlertm@appstate.edu.
Warren Huntsman, PMP
Special Faculty Member Warren Huntsman is an engineer and project manager at App State’s Office of Design and Construction. He holds an MBA and is a certified project management professional (PMP). Huntsman can be reached by email, huntsmanwh@appstate.edu.
Ashton Roess
Special Faculty Member Ashton Roess brings experience to the faculty from as a clinical data associate at PharPoint Research, where she contributed to data management for pharmaceutical and biotech clinical trials. She also brings expertise in healthcare data analytics, data governance, and clinical research. Roess is a two-time App State alum, having earned a BS in Exercise Science and an MS in Data Analytics from the university. She can be reached by email at roessap@appstate.edu.
Donna Sue Shellman, Ed.D.
Dr. Donna Sue Shellman joins App State as a special faculty member, having previously taught at Gaston College. Her research interests include student success, mindset, and healthcare computing. Shellman emphasizes fostering a positive learning environment that supports students’ growth and development as lifelong learners. She holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from East Tennessee State University. Dr. Shellman can be reached by email, shellmandm@appstate.edu.
Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith is a systems engineer in App State’s Information Technology Services. He brings to the faculty a wealth of technical and institutional knowledge and holds a BSBA and an MA from App State. Smith can be reached by email, smithkt1@appstate.edu.
Economics
Jill Hendrickson
Jill Hendrickson joined the faculty as a practitioner-in-residence in the Department of Economics. She brings more than 20 years of teaching and research experience, as well as experience in economic consulting, to App State’s faculty. Hendrickson’s research has been published in over 15 peer-reviewed journals and two books—on the history of commercial bank stability in the United States and financial crises in the United States. She earned a BA in Economics from the University of Puget Sound and a PhD in Economics from the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Hendrickson can be reached by email, hendricksonjs@appstate.edu.
Finance, Banking & Insurance
The Department of Finance, Banking & Insurance welcomes Rebecca Goulding, a Hickory campus practitioner-in-residence, and Kevin McIntosh and Lane Finch, special faculty members.
Rebecca Goulding
Practitioner-in-Residence Rebecca Goulding brings 28+ years of experience in the financial services industry, including 26 years with Wells Fargo Bank and its predecessors, First Union National Bank and Wachovia Bank. She has served as a licensed banker, branch manager, and most recently a corporate trainer in Learning and Development focusing on customer service, risk management, and operational training. A native of Morganton, North Carolina, Goulding holds an MBA and a BSBA from App State. She can be reached by email at gouldingrh@appstate.edu.
Kevin McIntosh, J.D.
Special Faculty Member Kevin McIntosh is a partner with Young, Morphis, Bach & Taylor, LLP in Hickory, North Carolina. He brings expertise in mergers and acquisitions, business and corporate transactions, commercial real estate, and estate planning and administration. McIntosh is admitted to the North Carolina Bar and the US Federal District Court, and he has held leadership roles with community organizations, including the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce, Catawba County Humane Society, and Catawba County Science Center. McIntosh holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and a J.D. from Campbell University School of Law. Dr. McIntosh can be reached by email at mcintoshke@appstate.edu.
Lane Finch, J.D.
Special Faculty Member Lane Finch is a practicing attorney and partner at Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers, LLP, with 37 years of experience advising insurers and policyholders on insurance coverage, bad faith claims, and inter-insurer disputes. He is recognized by Best Lawyers in Insurance Law and Litigation and is a registered mediator and arbitrator in Alabama State Courts. Finch earned a J.D. from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, and a B.S. in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Dr. Finch can be reached by email at finchfl@appstate.edu.
Management
The Department of Management welcomes nine new faculty members: Associate Professor Melissa Carsten, Hickory Campus Practitioner-in-Residence Jose Riera, Lecturers David Cuthbert, Jason Kelley, William Ward, and Percy Richardson, and Special Faculty Members Cantey Alexander, Ryan Duffy, and Jason Parker.
Melissa Carsten, Ph.D.
Melissa Carsten joins App State’s faculty as an associate professor with expertise in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Previously, at Winthrop University, Carsten taught Organizational Behavior and HR Management. She has authored 30+ research articles on leadership and followership in organizations. Dr. Carsten holds a Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University and can be reached by email, carstenmk@appstate.edu.
Jose Riera, Ph.D.
Dr. Jose Riera brings diverse academic and professional experiences to the faculty at App State, as well as a multifaceted career that includes academic excellence and a commitment to advancing education and business. He most recently served as a lecturer at Central Washington University and Washington State University. Riera earned a BSBA in Finance and International Marketing from Georgetown University, an MBA with focuses in Insurance/Risk Management and Strategic Management from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Technology Education from Washington State University. Dr. Riera can be reached by email, rierajj@appstate.edu.
David Cuthbert
Lecturer David Cuthbert is a seasoned business leader with over 20 years of experience spanning military leadership, cloud technology, and global water initiatives. A United States Naval Academy graduate, Cuthbert served as a Naval Special Operations Officer before transitioning to executive roles in technology and strategic business consulting. Cuthbert has led multiple organizations, including Boone-based non-profit Wine to Water, facilitated significant capital raises, and is passionate about corporate social responsibility. He is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business Global Executive Leadership. Cuthbert can be reached by email, cuthbertd@appstate.edu.
Jason Kelley, J.D.
Lecturer Jason Kelley is an entrepreneur and early-stage technology investor, currently serving as managing director of Next Carolina Ventures. His focus is on investments in climate-tech and national security technologies. Kelley previously served as a case officer with the CIA and held public policy roles at The White House and the U.S. Senate. He earned an MBA from Columbia University, a Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge, and a JD from American University. Dr. Kelley can be reached by email, kelleyj2@appstate.edu.
William Ward, MBA, Ph.D. (ABD)
Lecturer William Ward is a native of Watauga County whose research focuses on diversity and inclusion, trust, and recruitment. He holds a BA in Sociology and an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources from App State and is completing a Ph.D. in Business Administration at the University of South Carolina, focusing on Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management. Dr. Ward can be reached by email, wardwb@appstate.edu.
Percy Richardson
Lecturer Percy Richardson can be reached by email, richardsonp@appstate.edu.
Cantey Alexander
Special Faculty Member J. Cantey Alexander recently retired as Triad Regional President of Truist Financial Corporation, where he led commercial banking and strategic financial initiatives for over three decades. He brings to the faculty a wealth of leadership and banking expertise. Alexander is a member of the Walker College of Business Advisory Council and is an App State alumnus, having earned his degree in marketing and management from the Walker College. Alexander completed advanced studies at the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He can be reached by email, alexanderjc5@appstate.edu.
Ryan Duffy
Special Faculty Member Ryan Duffy is general manager of Linville Ridge Country Club who brings to the faculty more than 20 years of hospitality experience from various clubs and organizations. Duffy holds a BS in Hospitality Administration from California State Polytechnic University at Pomona. He can be reached by email, duffyrj@appstate.edu.
Jason Parker
Jason Parker is the director of App State's Holmes Convocation Center. As a special faculty member, he will teach planning and design of leisure facilities. Previously, Parker has taught at Lees-McRae College. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Louisiana State University and the University of New Orleans, respectively. Parker can be reached by email, parkerjc@appstate.edu.
Marketing & Supply Chain Management
The Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management welcomes three new faculty members: Practitioner-in-Rresidence Lilian Almeida and special faculty members MaKeyla Childs and Colin Dees.
Lilian Almeida, Ph.D.
Practitioner-in-Residence Dr. Lilian Almeida is passionate about fostering students' educational growth as global citizens. She recently earned her Ph.D. from Utah State University and brings expertise as a marketing lecturer at the University of Arizona. Dr. Almeida can be reached by email at desouzaalmeidal@appstate.edu.
MaKeyla Childs
Special Faculty Member MaKeyla Childs is a supply chain analyst at Pfizer. She previously worked at Lenovo and Implus, applying data analytics to optimize operations. Childs holds an MBA in Business Intelligence and data Analytics from Fayetteville State University and a Bachelor’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Colin Dees, Ph.D.
Dr. Colin Dees brings extensive experience as a former executive in the distribution industry. His work includes streamlining operations management, purchasing and replenishment, warehouse management, transportation, and implementing business intelligence tools. A recent Ph.D. graduate from Clemson University, Dees is dedicated to advancing the fields of supply chain management and marketing through his academic and professional expertise. Dr. Dees can be reached by email, deesch@appstate.edu.
Business 2001
Two new faculty members have joined the faculty to teach Business 2001, the college’s introduction to business and soft skills course taught through Business Career Services. They are Abby Brannen and Jill Sparks.
Abby Brannen
Abby Brannen is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a BSBA in Marketing (2023) and an MBA in Interdisciplinary Business (expected 2024). She teaches Business 2001, the introduction to business and soft skills course, through Business Career Services. Brannen can be reached by email, brannenaj@appstate.edu.
Jill Sparks
Jill Sparks is the Executive Director of the A-B Tech Small Business Center and a Regional Director for the NC Small Business Center Network. She has 18 years of experience in the NC Community College System, serves as a member of the Walker College's Business Advisory Council, and holds an MBA, a BSBA in Marketing, and BA in History from App State. Sparks can be reached by email, sparksjm@appstate.edu.
Academic Advising
The Office of Academic Advising also welcomes two staff members: Hickory campus advisor Tron Buff and records specialist Grace Pitts.
Tron Buff
Tron Buff is the Walker College of Business's Hickory campus advisor. He has experience in teaching history and advising, having worked at Wake Tech and Appalachian State. Buff holds a BA in History from NC State and an MA in higher education from App State. He can be reached by email, buffdt@appstate.edu.
Grace Pitts
Grace Pitts is a records specialist who worked in the Registrar's Office at Appalachian State University for 23 years before transitioning to the College of Business Advising team. Pitts can be reached by email, pittsgw@appstate.edu.
Faculty and Staff Faces
